Search - Moon over Broadway on DVD

One of the Best DVDs Commentary Tracks EVER.

Christopher J. Jarmick | Seattle, Wa. USA | 12/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Moon Over Broadway co-directed by legendary documentary director D.A. PENNEBAKER and his wife Chris Hegedus, is a behind the scenes documentary of the making of the Broadway Show Moon over Buffalo which starred Phillip Bosco, and Carol Burnett and was written by Ken Ludwig. From the announcement of the play being produced, to the beginning of rehearsal, to the disasterous Boston run, to the opening on Broadway. The access to the creative process the film-makers got is pretty amazing and what they captured is a rare behind the scenes warts and all glimpse of how a Broadway show is shaped. It doesn't take us long to realize we seem to be watching a train wreck occurring in slow motion. Well things perhaps don't turn out as bad as you might believe. The show did wind up being moderately successful and audiences seemed to enjoy this bit of theatrical fluff. Particularly interesting is the inter-play between the writer Ludwig, director Tom Moore, and the stars. There's a few truly candid moments caught with the producer and some of the show's backers as well. Being privvy to the whole process is a fascinating and educational experience.But if you are lucky enough to have the DVD of the film, we are from over. As Paul Harvey would say... and then there's The Rest of the Story. . . .The DVD has a commentary track that is no holds barred and reveals much more than the film ever could. The commentaries from the various actors, directors and producers, two to three years after the show closed, and a year or so after the documentary was released are remarkable frank, candid and revealing. Carol Burnett does contribute (via phone calls) to the commentary track as well. You'll gain even more insight and realize how deep wounds go by re-watching the film with it's invaluable commentary.The movie is very good. The DVD package is remarkable.Chris Jarmick Author of The Glass Cocoon with Serena F. Holder - A steamy cyber thriller. Available January 2001. Please order today. Thank You."

Two films in one...

hermit the frog | New York, NY United States | 10/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chris' review has it right: this DVD contains one of the best uses for a Commentary track yet devised.The film itself is a feast for any theater fan. DA Pennebaker has complete access to the actors, playwright, director and producers during the rehearsal process for the play, both out-of-town in Boston, and then during its entire Broadway run. After seeing it, many may wonder how it could ever be worthwhile producing a play, but that's always been true of working in the theater: you don't have to be crazy, but it sure helps.As for the DVD commentary, it literally gives you 2 films for the price of one. There is so much more information about the making of the play, and of the participants' true feelings about each other after the fact, that it almost could have been used as the actual voiceover track for the film. I watch this DVD repeatedly, and most of the time, I turn on the commentary track. It's so much more juicy, it makes the on-camera backstabbing seem pleasant by comparison."

Process Vs. Product

James Hiller | Beaverton, OR | 07/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sitting in the audience, we often glimpse the end result. We may even think how effortlessly and seamlessly it all fits together in a nice, neat package. Then we form our judgments towards yeah or nay, and go off on our way.What Moon Over Broadway does is not only deflate, but explode, those perceptions with honesty and a no-holds barred approach. In showing the mechanics of putting together a mildly successful Broadway farce, the sweat and tears often known but rarely seen are so real and true, and understandable. From first reheasal to opening nite, fun and ugly parts are for us to witness, and form our own conclusions.I must admit to purchasing this DVD solely on the merits of seeing one of my all time favorite comediennes at work, Carol Burnett. We do spend much time with her, but she is restrained in performing her role, and subdued in real life. It isn't until the dress rehearsal, when a technical glitch causes the director to take Carol onstage as herself, and she charms the waiting audience with her sparkling, funny personality we all love. Highly recommend this for theater buffs."

The Birth of a Play

James Hiller | 08/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Grand personalities, tempermental artists, and clashing ideas of taste and direction -- what more could you want in the Broadway theater? This wonderful behind-the-scenes documentary of the uphill struggle to bring "Moon Over Buffalo" to the Broadway stage reveals in intimate detail the painful collaborative efforts involved in giving birth to a new play. The film is as instantly absorbing as any great drama, and provides the viewer with an honest, unflinching view of what happens when a group of talented artists and producers come together to create."